Craig D. Ross

Craig Douglas Ross went to join his ancestors on January 23, 2021 at the age of 72. He was born to George and Evelyn Ross on December 7, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Psychology from American International College in Springfield, MA and was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He helped bring culturally relevant addiction treatment to Springfield, MA in the 1970s and introduced the African American cultural holiday of Kwanzaa to his family, community, and host of friends for five decades. Craig earned a master’s degree in Human Relations and Business from Amber (now Amberton) University in Garland, TX. He served families and his community as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor for almost 30 years in Texas. He held certifications as a Criminal Justice Addictions Professional and ADC Level III Diplomat. He served as the director of many adult and juvenile, private and government entity, outpatient, and correctional programs across the United States of America. He was an avid reader and stayed on the cutting edge of treatment trends in the field of addictions. 

Craig was a proud member of the Dallas Corinth Group of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) since his sobriety date of September 23, 1991. He also considered himself a “double winner” with his commitment to joining the Duncanville Al-Anon group October 20, 1993. Craig’s family will forever be grateful for the people in these rooms that helped him stay safe and sober for almost 30 years. During his time in Austin, TX he extended his AA and Al-Anon family and developed lifelong connections with dear friends. Craig loved to work the steps, live, and teach the lessons of AA and Al-Anon to all newcomers, sponsorees, and anyone with the desire not to drink. 

Craig is survived by his sons Iman and wife Rodrigua Ross; Khalid and wife Monique Ross; daughter, Crystal Haynes Copithorne and husband Jon; sister, Marjorie Ross-Thomas and daughter Jacqueline Ross, grandchildren Robert Justice, Iman Loren Ross, Asha Ross, Azeem Ross, Ameer Ross, Emmanuel Ross, former wives Claudette Rhodes (mother of Iman and Khalid Ross), and Lisa Ross, beloved nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and friends across the globe.

Services were held privately in Dallas, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Craig D. Ross, please visit our floral store.